Torun: 7 cafes recommended by city residents and coffee lovers
July 15, 2025
Torun, a city famous for its gingerbread and Gothic architecture, hides in its backstreets real gems for coffee lovers. The coffee landscape of this historic city is a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity, where the best beans from around the world are served within the walls of medieval townhouses. From cozy places overlooking the Vistula River, to themed venues inspired by pop culture, to places where you can spend time in the company of cats, Torun's cafes offer much more than just a cup of the aromatic beverage. Let's discover together seven exceptional cafes that are a must-see on the map of every coffee drinker visiting the city of Copernicus.
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Cafes with character and history
Torun's café scene is a true mosaic of flavors and atmospheres, and each place has its own unique history and character. Let's start our journey with the przywiśle cafe, which, as the name suggests, is located in a picturesque location on the banks of the Vistula River. This establishment is a true hidden treasure of Toruń, offering not only delicious coffee, but also breathtaking views of the river and the Old Town skyline. The café is housed in a restored building that once served as a warehouse for goods imported by the Vistula River. Today, preserving the industrial character of the interior with its original brick walls and wooden beams, przywiśle has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists looking for a moment of respite away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Another place worth noting is NAPAR, a café that revolutionized Toronto's coffee scene, introducing specialty coffee culture to the city. Located on the Pauline Bridge, in close proximity to the Old Town, it offers coffee from the best roasters in Poland and Europe. NAPAR's history dates back to 2015, when a group of enthusiasts decided to create a place where coffee is treated with the utmost respect and prepared according to the latest trends. The interior of the café combines modern design with elements referring to the history of the city - on the walls you can admire graphics depicting Torun monuments. NAPAR is famous for organizing workshops and tastings, during which you can explore the secrets of coffee brewing using various methods. It's worth mentioning that the café was a pioneer in promoting alternative brewing methods, such as chemex and aeropress, in the region.
A slightly different, but equally fascinating atmosphere is offered by Central Coffee Perks, a coffee shop that delights all fans of the cult TV series 'Friends'. The establishment, located on Strumykowa Street, is one of the world's few replicas of the famous café from the series. The interior was designed with attention to the smallest details, recreating the iconic elements known from the TV original - from the orange sofa, to the characteristic window, to the menu inspired by the series. Central Coffee Perks can accommodate as many as 150 people, making it one of the largest themed coffee shops in Poland. The history of the place dates back to 2018, when the owners, fascinated by the series, decided to create a space that would become not only a meeting place for coffee, but also a kind of tribute to popular culture. Today, the cafe is a must-see not only for fans of the series, but for anyone who appreciates originality and unconventional interiors.
Specialized cafes for the demanding
Bread House Café is a place that has won the hearts of Torun residents not only with its delicious coffee, but above all with its locally baked breads and pastries. The cafe, located on the Old Town Moat, has been open since 2018 and has quickly become one of the city's favorite breakfast and brunch spots. The story of Bread House Cafe is a tale of passion for traditional baking - the owners, inspired by their travels in Europe, decided to bring back the taste of real, artisanal bread to Torun residents. The interior of the café is decorated in Scandinavian style - bright, spacious rooms with wooden accents create a cozy atmosphere. Particularly charming is the garden, which in the summer season becomes a green corner in the heart of the city. Bread House Café is famous for its seasonal baked goods, using local products - in autumn you can try cakes with Toronto apples, and in summer desserts with strawberries from local crops.
A completely different, but equally fascinating concept is presented by Neko Cafe - Toruń's first cat cafe. The place, operating since 2019 on Prosta Street, combines the pleasure of drinking coffee with the opportunity to spend time in the company of cats. The story of Neko Cafe is not only a business idea, but above all a mission - the cafe cooperates with local foundations dedicated to helping homeless animals, and all cats housed in the premises are up for adoption. The interior has been specially designed with the comfort of both guests and animals in mind - numerous shelves, scratching posts and cat hiding places blend harmoniously with the cafe's decor. Neko Cafe offers not only standard coffee drinks, but also a special 'cat menu' with desserts in the shape of cats' paws or ears. The cafe also holds educational events on cat care and responsible adoption.
Swawolna Café is another spot on the café map of Toruń that stands out for its unique character. Located on Legion Street, a bit off the main tourist routes, it primarily attracts locals looking for a quiet place to work or study. The history of the place dates back to 2017, when a space combining the functions of a café and a cultural meeting place was created in a converted tenement. Swawolna is famous for its regularly organized poetry evenings, intimate concerts and exhibitions of works by local artists. The interior is decorated in a vintage style, with furniture from different eras creating an eclectic but cohesive whole. Of particular note are the old armchairs and sofas, which have been refurbished and upholstered in colorful fabrics. The café offers a wide selection of coffees, including filtered coffees from different regions of the world, which are rarely seen in Torun. It is worth mentioning that Swawolna was one of the first cafes in the city to introduce plant-based drinks, meeting the expectations of vegetarians and vegans.
Grande Coffee Torun, located in the heart of the Old Town at the Old Town Square, is a café that combines tradition with modernity. Located in a historic building, whose history dates back to the 14th century, it offers elegant interiors with comfortable seating and carefully selected decor. The café is famous for its wide range of coffees, including iced specialties, classic coffee drinks and desserts. Interestingly, Grande Coffee Torun is located in a building that, according to urban legends, was once the home of one of Torun's richest merchants, and the café's basement is said to contain secret passages leading to other parts of the Old Town.
Comparison of Torun cafes - what to choose?
When choosing a café in Torun, it is worth considering what we expect from such a place - do we care primarily about the quality of the coffee, a unique interior, or perhaps additional attractions? Comparing the previously discussed establishments, you can see that each of them has its own unique strengths that attract different audiences.
In terms of location, Grande Coffee Torun (in the heart of the Old Town Square) and Bread House Café (by the Old Town Moat) are most favorably located, making them ideal places to take a break while exploring the city. In contrast, przywiśle offers unparalleled views of the Vistula River, but requires a short walk from the main tourist attractions. Swawolna Café and Neko Café are a bit further from the center, which can be an advantage for those looking for quieter places away from the tourist crowds.
In terms of the uniqueness of the experience, Central Coffee Perks, with its decor inspired by the TV series 'Friends,' and Neko Cafe, where you can spend time in the company of cats, are unrivaled. These two cafes offer more than just good coffee - they are places where you can immerse yourself in a completely different world. NAPAR, on the other hand, stands out for its approach to coffee as art, offering education and new taste experiences for true connoisseurs.
As for price, the cheapest option is Swawolna Café, where you'll pay less for a good cup of coffee than in cafes located in the tourist center. Grande Coffee Torun and Central Coffee Perks are in the middle price range, while NAPAR, due to its use of high-quality specialty beans, offers coffees at slightly higher prices.
For couples looking for a romantic atmosphere, the best choice will be przywiśle with its sunset view over the Vistula River or Bread House Cafe with its cozy garden. Families with children will appreciate the spaciousness of Central Coffee Perks and the friendly atmosphere of Neko Cafe, where the little ones can play with the cats (under parental supervision). In turn, those working remotely or students will find ideal conditions at Swawolna Café, which offers comfortable workspaces and stable Wi-Fi.
Non-coffee offerings are also worth noting - Bread House Café stands out for its excellent homemade baked goods, Grande Coffee Torun offers a wide variety of desserts, and NAPAR specializes in alternative coffee brewing methods. Central Coffee Perks attracts fans of the TV series with special drinks inspired by characters from 'Friends,' and Neko Cafe has cute cat-themed desserts on its menu.
All in all, Toronto's cafes offer an incredibly diverse experience that will satisfy even the most discerning guests. From historic interiors to modern concepts to themed spaces, there is something for everyone. It's worth planning a café itinerary around Toruń to discover the different facets of the city through the prism of a cup of excellent coffee. Whether you're a lover of classic espresso, a seeker of new flavors or just want to relax in a pleasant atmosphere - Torun's cafes are sure to meet your expectations, adding a unique flavor to exploring the charms of the city of Copernicus.
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